By David Si

OVERVIEW

Purpose: To interview the newly elected assembly member Catharine Baker for PLAY and help members be more politically engaged as well as know how to be a better leader from the knowledge and experience of a politician.

Background: Catharine Baker, a republican, was recently elected as the assembly member for District 16 after winning the popular vote over the democratic candidate Tim Sbranti. Baker is a strong advocate for education reforms, and is against BART strikes. Many members of PLAY have also volunteered in Baker’s campaign.

Location:  2694 Bishop Drive, San Ramon, CA 94583

Attendance:

Katie

Chris Li and Mum

Steven Yuan

David Si and Dad

William and Mum

Andrew Zhao and Mum

Richard and Mum

Larry and Mum

Albert’s Mum Only

James and Mum

Chris Tong and Mum

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Katie- Can you introduce us on how you got into politics and your background?

Baker- Baker had never run for office, but has been involved in campaigns because she wanted to help when the country was facing economic problems in 2009-2010, even locally. At the same time, Baker was working full time. You must stay involved in community issues. Baker saw challenges schools faced, so she went to the school board meetings and discussed with principals, but problems and policies could be changed only in Sacramento. Then, she decided to do more by running for assembly member.

William- How do you manage your time?

Baker- Baker’s supportive family and the hard work of volunteers have helped her to continue working hard. Regardless of politics, family was her priority, and her family often went along with her to political events. It was challenging to do everything, so prioritizing was important. There should be more people involved in the cause they all believed in.

James- How will you stop SCA-5?

Baker- To stop SCA 5, Baker must get to the legislature first, and watch the bills and processes. After that, she must find colleagues with similar beliefs and interests to take down SCA 5 and other similar propositions. There are also other issues to think of, such as the increasing tuition costs of higher education.

Larry-How do you think state legislature can help against tuition hikes?

Baker- Taxes must be raised so that there is more funding for the UC systems. There have been policies and propositions to freeze tuition, yet it is still rising. Costs can also be cut in the UC systems, such as in administration and pension benefits. Out of state students should also be charged more, and there should be a shift to online education. As usual, there is a need for access from higher power. The downside to this measure is that in the future, legislature may alter and manipulate the curriculum.There are a variety of proposals, but we must make sure the measures are un-political and balanced on cost-benefit analysis.

Chris Tong- Where should we allocate [money from] pension reforms?

Baker- Soon, there will be budget surpluses, and with that a rainy day fund can be established. Pension fund structures can also be changed, not sent more money. Power should be given to state instead of local government, and the structure can be made less rigid. There should be a change in a state constitutional provision that limits what local government can do so that pension funds are more stable. Workers in the contra costa county, such as pension board members, receive pensions, which is a conflict of interest and something to be changed.

David- Should we eliminate obsolete laws, regulations, etc causes wasteful spending? If so, how would you do that?

Baker- Yes, old regulations should be revisited, such as the statute of environmental quality act that is 40 years old. Regulations may be duplicative and burdensome, so modernizing is needed.There should be sunset provisions and expirations for regulations, like what the local levels have. Remembering that budgeting and revising is preferred over adding will maintain an efficient government.

Katie- What is the difference between a good leader and a great leader?

Baker- A good leader has integrity by visualizing and practicing everyday and honesty. They must also be bold enough to not always support the popular opinion and take on opportunities and obstacles, as well as not ignore ideas from people with conflicting views.  A great leader brings natural talent to their work and never forgets their traits. A great leader must be humble too, be honored to serve, and continue to improve. Baker returns the question to Katie, Katie replies saying a great leader leads by example and truth.

William- How did you manage to stay to one position?

Baker- Baker’s genuine drive and her truthful ideas that were the best for her children and her community helped her manage to stay in one position and be grounded. She was also less political sometimes, and held enthusiasm for doing good.

David-Permanent employment statute determines job permanency in three school years. Any plans on reforming?

Baker- The law about teacher’s tenure system is outdated, and was made to prevent retaliation during teachers’ absence such as pregnancy. Currently, it takes 18 months to determine permanency, and Baker’s predecessor made it  easier to fire abusive teachers.  Now, teachers are easy to be blamed, but it needs to be changed in how early a teacher obtains permanency and dismissal. There needs to be feedback from everyone and observations from other sectors of professionals such as law, CPA, etc. to provide job protection and careers to teachers. At the same time, there still should be academic freedom for teachers.

Christopher Li- How can we make education more friendly for learning?

Baker- There always should be good feedback, and teachers, administrators, and parents must be listening to each other. Since California’s schools receive very little funding from state, we should increase funding and spend wisely. Also, layoffs should not only be based on a teacher’s seniority. Finally, schools should adapt to the usage of technology so that lagging students may be individualized and made better.

Christopher Tong- Why are you against high speed rail and twin tunnels?

Baker- Public works projects such as high speed rail are too expensive, and our budget only allows us to choose the least safe building company. There will be operating cost deficits, we have no private investors, and the project is being constructed under public disapproval. The proposed cost has tripled since the original cost. Twin tunnels provide less fresh water for endangered species, there is not enough water capacity, and moving the water south is ineffective and expensive.

Steven- What can be done against the drought?

Baker- Currently, Proposition 1 is a bond that spends money to improve water supply and quality. Water is not being stored cost effectively and also needs recycling and conservation. We also need to regulate groundwater usage, which Baker supports. Sustaining the environment and water quality and capacity are our major concerns.

Nancy- Have you thought about giving up in your campaign?

Baker- Baker was in the minority group and a junior, but she believed in her cause.

//Baker rephrased question to a bigger question: How do you stay hard working while facing huge opposition?

Baker made relationships with assembly members and learned from everyone by finding common ground between different parties.

Andrew-How can we improve the job situation?

Baker- Unemployment is a bigger problem down in Southern California and the Central Valley. There should be pro-job environments, a reduction of unnecessary regulations, and less costs for doing business. Less regulation and lower tax will reduce costs of doing business, which will affect customers and employees.

Nancy-Do you have any advice for PLAY?

Baker- PLAY should expand by finding different schools, come together for ideas, focus on public speaking and helping community service, learn about local government, and participate in internships in local and state government and legislature. Leadership starts with servicing.

Summary: